Carpet cleaners are benfitting from this week's severe frosts in Central Otago.
The Otago Daily Times reported yesterday plumbers had been rushed off their feet with about 100 calls to burst pipes in homes and businesses throughout the district.
Carpet cleaning companies have also had an increase in jobs.
Jaes Carpet Cleaning manager John Brosnan, of Alexandra, said the firm had received about 50 phone calls this week to homes flooded by burst pipes.
''We believe that the rush has yet to come,'' Mr Brosnan said.
Companies have had to call on extra staff and get more equipment from around New Zealand to manage the increasing workload.
Enviro Clean and Restoration manager Kirsty Allison, of Cromwell, said that the firm had fielded more than 30 calls so far and its technicians were working from 7.30am to 10.30pm to keep up with demand.
Both managers said more calls were expected as owners of holiday homes were yet to find out if any damage had occurred to their properties. Cromwell homes appeared to have borne the brunt of the flooding, they said.
The cold snap has also placed pressure on firewood retailers in the district. Several said they would struggle to meet demand.
- Stacey Bryant
